STUDY ABROAD IN EDINBURGH

WHY EDINBURGH?

Marked as a place everyone should visit at least once in their lives, you’ll get the opportunity to spend a few months basking in the action.

Anyone here will tell you that the true experience lies in understanding the historical significance of the area – from the construction of the Hadrian Wall to the capture of Edinburgh in the 7th century you’ll come out of this trip with an increased level of cultural awareness.

You might be familiar with a few Scottish traditions already, like men wearing Kilts, the popularity of bagpipes, and the Highland games to name a few. Imagine having the opportunity to immerse yourself into the culture with locals more than open to inviting you in.

Energetic and youthful due to its universities and colleges, the capital of Scotland is as much a modern and cosmopolitan city as it is a living reminder of its ancient roots, made famous through Scottish legend and literature. It is the administrative, legislative, and financial hub of Scotland, and serves as the country’s cultural center.

US TO YOU

EPA works to ensure the high quality of our program and the day-to-day safety of our participants. This is why we take special care to have a low student to staff ratio which allows our staff to answer questions, stay updated with our student’s acclimation process, and provide guidance at all turns.

The Edinburgh Program Director, Donna Nodson, is dedicated to ensuring the safety and academic progress of our students as they prepare and triumph in their abroad travels.

Please visit our ‘Key People’ page to learn about the backgrounds and commitment of all of our dedicated staff members.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

In your free time, there are a ton of different things to explore during your time in Edinburgh.

  • ◦ Spend an afternoon hiking to the top of Arthur’s seat, a dormant volcano and one of the highest points in Edinburgh!
  • ◦ Go shopping with friends down Princes Street or the Royal Mile and then stop for a picnic on the Princes Gardens!
  • ◦ Take a historical trip down to Holyrood Palace, which is the Scottish residence of the British monarchy!
  • ◦ Enjoy a cup of coffee at Nicolson’s Café where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

QUICK FACTS

Language English
Internship Areas Politics, International Relations, Business, Marketing, Communications, Health Science, Computer Science
Academics Edinburgh Napier University
Housing Flats with EPA students
Terms Fall, Spring
Application Deadlines
  • Fall – March 1
  • Spring – October 1
  • No Session
Dates and Fees Click Here

LANGUAGE

Students take classes in English and are placed in professional work environments where they are required to speak, read, and write in the language. Non-native speakers must have a B2 skill level or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).

ACCOMMODATION

Students are housed in apartments centrally located in a splendid 18th century part of the city known as “Newtown”. It is within very easy walking distance of Princes Street, the main shopping area of the city. Newtown is full of restaurants and bars that are very popular with the large student population and we have had excellent feed-back from students on recent programs.

CONTACT WITH LOCAL STUDENTS

EPA students are able to make use of the full campus facilities at Edinburgh Napier University, and they can get to know their Scottish peers by participating in the many student societies and clubs. They even have some trips you can take part in if you want.

PASSPORTS

A passport is an official identity and travel document issued by the U.S federal government allowing you the opportunity to travel internationally. (It’s a must-have!) You can apply for your passport at any time, but it must be valid for 6 months after your time abroad.

To apply, go to local US Post Office or County Clerk’s Office in your area. Call ahead to find out if there are any regulations or fees specific to your area. The processing of a passport application can take 12 weeks or more. If you don’t already have one, apply now!

VISAS

A visa is official permission, granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or visit, which allows you to enter and remain in that country for period of time. To study in the UK and take on an internship, participants will need to obtain a UK Tier 4 Visa. This visa cannot be applied for until 90 days before the start of the program. EPA will send out specific information at that time.

Educational Programmes Abroad has undergone a review for educational oversight by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

INTERNSHIPS & COURSES

Orientation | Academics | Internships |

ORIENTATION

Who would we be if we didn’t offer you some guidance before you started exploring? Within the first few days of your arrival, there will be a main orientation for students detailing all aspects of your life overseas.

We’ll provide details on cultural and social activities, need-to-knows about academics and internships, guide you to your housing/lodging situations, prepare you for local transportation and health/safety precautions, and allow you to connect with the other students!

ACADEMICS

When you study at Edinburgh Napier University, you’ll be part of a global community of almost 9,000 international students from over 100 countries.

With a multitude of course modules available, students have a wide array of choices available. EPA semester students choose two course modules from the same school at level SCQF 08 or 09. Please visit Edinburgh Napier University’s website for details.

INTERNSHIPS (Academic Work Placements)

EPA internship placements are extremely competitive and selective.

PAST PLACEMENTS

Here are some of the recent placements EPA Interns have enjoyed. We encourage you to let us know if you see organizations that specifically interest you. While we cannot guarantee any placement, we are delighted to understand where your passion lies. Preferences are prioritized on a first come, first serve basis. Get your application in early!

Placement Field
Scotia Accounting Accounting
Steedman & Company Accounting
Arusha Gallery Art & History
Museums & Galleries Edinburgh Art & History
University of Edinburgh: Museums and Galleries Art & History
The Cockburn Association City Planning & Advocacy
St Mary's RC Primary Education - Primary School
Navigator Law Employment Law
Boxergy Engergy
Freakworks Film Production
Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Healthcare
Spire Healthcare Healthcare
Ash Scotland Healthcare Charity
Children's Hospice Across Scotland (CHAS) Healthcare Charity
EMMS Healthcare Charity
The Yard Healthcare/Special Needs Charity
The Skinny Media & Publishing
Scottish Parliament Politics/Government
ESPC Real Estate
CBRE Commercial Real Estate
Bethany Christian Trust Social Work Charity
Cyrenians Social Work Charity
Edinburgh Women's Aid Social Work Charity
Edinburgh Rugby Sports - Professional
Inch Park Community Sports Club Sports
Good Loop / Invest in Change Technology
QikServe Technology
Abbey Ireland & UK Tourism
Transport for Edinburgh Transportation

SUMMER SESSION

EPA does not offer a summer session in Edinburgh. Students who desire to intern during the summer may wish to consider London or Brussels.

COST OF ATTENDANCE

The price of the program includes tuition and housing, internship placement and oversight, pre-departure and visa application materials, comprehensive on-site orientation, welcome and farewell dinners, on-site student support, and on-site program management. Grade reports and supervisor evaluations are also sent to schools upon completion of the term.

You’ll want to budget for the cost of academic credit, air travel ($1000+), visa fees (Semester $500+), meals, and commuting. These costs are NOT INCLUDED in the program fees. Most students budget $200-$300 per week for expenses depending on their lifestyle and the value of the US Dollar.

For more information on the exact fees for individuals paying directly, click here.

TERMS

EPA offers programs in Edinburgh during the fall and spring terms. For more information on the exact dates, click here.

  • Fall (September until Mid-December)
  • Spring (January until Mid-May)

SCHOLARSHIPS

Some students finance portions of their semester abroad through scholarships and grants. Check with your university for specific opportunities. You might even want to consider a GoFundMe campaign.

We listed a few opportunities below to help you get started!

When you study at Edinburgh Napier University, you’ll be part of a global community of almost 9,000 international students from over 100 countries.

With a multitude of course modules are available, students have a wide array of choices available. EPA semester students choose two course modules in English from the same school at level SCQF 08 or 09.